First Merchants Reports Strong Q1 2025 Earnings

First Merchants ( (FRME) ) has released its Q1 earnings. Here is a breakdown of the information First Merchants presented to its investors.

First Merchants Corporation is a leading financial services holding company headquartered in Central Indiana, primarily operating in the banking sector with a network of 111 banking centers. The company provides a full spectrum of banking services including commercial, consumer, and mortgage banking, as well as private wealth advisory services.

In the first quarter of 2025, First Merchants reported a notable increase in earnings per share (EPS) of $0.94, marking a 10.6% rise from the previous year. The company demonstrated strong financial performance with a robust capital position and a tangible common equity ratio of 8.90%.

Key financial highlights include a 4.8% annualized loan growth, driven by a significant increase in commercial and industrial lending. Despite a decline in deposits by 1.6%, the company maintained a strong core deposit base. The efficiency ratio stood at 54.54%, reflecting positive operating leverage.

Looking ahead, First Merchants remains focused on enhancing financial wellness in the communities it serves, with strategic priorities centered on organic growth, digital transformation, and maintaining top-quartile financial results. The company is well-positioned to continue leveraging its strengths in acquisitions and customer service to drive future growth.